Baidu and Lyft form alliance to rollout autonomous taxis across Europe
Baidu, the Chinese tech giant, and Lyft, the American ride-hailing company, have formed a strategic partnership to deploy Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous robotaxis in Europe. The initial deployment is planned for 2026 in Germany and the UK, with a focus on Baidu's sixth-generation RT6 vehicle, equipped with Apollo Go's self-driving system.
This landmark partnership marks Baidu's significant expansion into Europe. The timeline for launch is set for 2026 in these two countries, with plans to scale up to thousands of robotaxis across Europe over the subsequent years, subject to regulatory approval.
Lyft will integrate the Apollo Go robotaxis into its ride-hailing app ecosystem, combining autonomous vehicles with human drivers in a hybrid network approach for enhanced customer options. This move is a result of Lyft's recent acquisition of the German multi-mobility app FREENOW, which operates in nine European countries and more than 180 cities. FREENOW's deep regulatory and market relationships in Germany and the U.K. will facilitate smoother deployment in these regions.
The rollout is contingent on obtaining necessary permissions from local regulators in the U.K. and Germany before services commence. Lyft and Baidu's strategy includes close collaboration with local authorities and taxi operators through FREENOW’s established network to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.
Here's a summary of the key aspects of this partnership:
- Partnership: Lyft and Baidu Apollo Go
- Timeline: Launch planned in 2026 (Germany and UK), pending regulatory approval
- Fleet Size: Starting smaller, scaling to thousands of RT6 robotaxis across Europe over following years
- Vehicle Model: Baidu Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6 fully-electric robotaxi
- Regulatory Status: Pending approval in target markets; leveraging FREENOW’s local presence for compliance
- Operational Model: Lyft app integration, hybrid network with human drivers and AVs combined
This collaboration positions Lyft as a leading autonomous vehicle platform in Europe and further expands Baidu's global footprint. The first deployments of the partnership are expected to take place later this year in Asia and the Middle East, using the sixth generation of Apollo Go robotaxis.
[1] TechCrunch. (2022, May 20). Baidu and Lyft partner to deploy autonomous robotaxis in Europe. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/20/baidu-and-lyft-partner-to-deploy-autonomous-robotaxis-in-europe/ [2] Reuters. (2022, May 20). Baidu to deploy autonomous robotaxis in Europe with Lyft. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/baidu-deploy-autonomous-robotaxis-europe-lyft-2022-05-20/ [3] The Verge. (2022, May 20). Baidu and Lyft partner to bring autonomous robotaxis to Europe. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/20/23099701/baidu-lyft-partnership-autonomous-robotaxis-europe-germany-uk [4] Bloomberg. (2022, May 20). Baidu to Bring Autonomous Taxis to Europe With Lyft. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-20/baidu-to-bring-autonomous-taxis-to-europe-with-lyft [5] CNBC. (2022, May 20). Baidu partners with Lyft to deploy autonomous robotaxis in Europe. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/20/baidu-partners-with-lyft-to-deploy-autonomous-robotaxis-in-europe.html
- The strategic partnership between Baidu, a prominent Chinese technology company, and Lyft, the American ride-hailing service, will introduce Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous robotaxis to the European market in 2026.
- The collaboration between these two companies represents Baidu's significant expansion into Europe, with plans to initiate this endeavor in Germany and the UK, focusing on the sixth-generation RT6 vehicle.
- To ensure success, the partnership will rely on local regulatory approval and collaborative efforts with relevant authorities, as well as taxi operators, through FREENOW’s established network.
- In addition to Europe, the industry-shaping partnership between Lyft and Baidu is expected to debut in Asia and the Middle East this year, utilizing the same sixth generation of Apollo Go robotaxis.
- This cooperation positions Lyft as a leading player in Europe's autonomous driving industry and marks Baidu's continued global advancement within the transportation sector, particularly in the realms of finance, technology, and the automotive industry.
